5 Ways to Maximize Your Dental Insurance

Your Dental Insurance Expires December 31st

Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year, some work on a fiscal year, but virtually all dental insurance benefits expire…whether you’ve used 100% of the funds or not!

5 Ways To Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits

1. Annual Maximum

The annual maximum is the most benefits that your dental insurance plan will pay for your dental work within one full year.

The annual maximum amount usually varies by insurance company but is on average $1,000 per year.

The yearly maximum usually renews every year (on January 1 if your plan is on a calendar year). If you have unused benefits, these funds do NOT rollover or transfer to the next year.

Check your insurance policy to make sure you have hit your annual maximum, if not schedule a checkup & cleaning, or any treatment you’ve been delaying.

2. Deductible

Your deductible is the amount of money that you must pay out-of-pocket for dental treatment before your insurance company will pay for any covered services.

Deductibles vary depending on your specific plan and could be higher if you ever choose to see a dentist who is out-of-network – meaning they’re not contracted with your dental insurance company to accept their benefits.

The average deductible for most dental insurance plans is usually around $50 per year. Your deductible will also reset at the beginning of each year.

Check your insurance policy to make sure you have hit your deductible, if not schedule a checkup & cleaning, or any treatment you’ve been delaying.

3. Premiums

This is the amount of money you pay to your dental insurance company every month.

And since you’re paying your dental insurance premiums each month, you should also be maximizing your benefits.

Even if your smile is in great shape and you don’t need any additional treatment, you should always keep your regularly scheduled checkups & cleanings.

Regular checkups & cleanings will help prevent cavities, gum disease, and detect any early signs of oral cancer or other oral & overall health issues.

You pay for dental insurance every month, make sure you use all of your benefits or else you’re just wasting money!

4. Fee Increases

Although we always strive to keep our fees the same, there are times when possible fee increases are inevitable. And these increases are usually decided on at the beginning of the year.

Whether it’s from an increase in the cost of materials, a rise in the cost of living, or the need to purchase specialized equipment, these fee increases could impact your dental insurance benefits – by increasing your copay for example.

In order to avoid any additional costs resulting from a fee increase, be sure to check your insurance policy to determine if you have any unused benefits available.

5. Small Issues Left Untreated Turn Into Big Problems

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The best way to save money at the dentist is to brush for 2 minutes, twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist at least twice a year.

If you neglect your regularly scheduled dentist appointments or delay treatment, you will only have to deal with more extensive (and expensive) treatment when things progressively get worse.

What could be just a little sensitivity now, could turn into full-blown tooth decay later.

If you’ve been delaying treatment or it’s been over six months since we’ve last seen you, call us today to maximize your dental insurance benefits before they expire!

Somerset NJ Dentist: Joseph Haddad, D.D.S.

We proudly provide modern family & cosmetic dentistry to the community of Somerset, NJ. 08873 in addition to the surrounding Franklin Township areas of Bound Brook, Hillsborough Township, Readington Township, and Bridgewater.

We offer the most advanced technology in a comfortable, inviting, comfortable environment.